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Home sweet home

Most Pine Ridge Apartments dwellers finally allowed to move back in

Firefighters gather in front of Pine Ridge Apartments during the evacuation of residents on July 30. The Marquette County Emergency Management Facebook page put out an alert on Monday that all residents from the first to the eighth floor of the complex can return home after being displaced for six weeks. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

MARQUETTE — Six weeks after a fire was reported on the roof of the building, most of the Pine Ridge Apartments residents can now safely move back into their homes, officials say.

The final necessary inspections have been completed and permits of occupancy have been issued for apartments on the first through eighth floors, according to the Marquette County Emergency Management Facebook page.

“Tenants that have been displaced and live on those floors can begin moving back in at any time,” the MCEM page states. “All tenants are asked to contact the Pine Ridge office for details on their leases before moving back.”

Housing commission Executive Director Sharon Maki said in an email today that tenants will need to sign a new lease according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Guidelines.

“Because the apartments were (un)inhabitable, HUD required us to terminate everyone’s lease. Now that they are back home they need to sign a new lease.”

Officials said the cause of the fire has not been determined.

Immediately following the fire, up to 45 of the 139 displaced residents stayed in an emergency Red Cross shelter, first at the Northern Michigan University Superior Dome and then Lakeview Arena. The Marquette Housing Commission, which manages the income-based housing complex, then sought stable temporary housing.

The Red Cross shelter stayed open for about two weeks, with meals provided by the Salvation Army and food donated by local businesses.

The remainder of the displaced tenants sought shelter with family and friends.

In an effort to speed up repairs to the roof and other internal systems, the housing commission waived competitive bidding for building repairs during a special meeting Sept. 3.

In the Facebook post, Maki expressed gratitude to all involved.

“I am thankful for everyone’s patience and understanding; from the tenants, families, and the wonderful community we live in,” Maki said.

The Pine Ridge office phone number is 906-226-7559.

The 6 units on the 9th floor are anticipated to be completed in three to five months, Maki said.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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